Status Defunct Location(s) Bristol Inaugurated November 2004 | Genre Comics Country United Kingdom | |
Venue British Empire & Commonwealth Exhibition Hall/Ramada Plaza Hotel (2005–2008)
Ramada City Inn/Mercure Holland House Hotel (2009–2011)
Passenger Shed of Brunel Old Station (2012–present) | ||
The Bristol International Comic & Small Press Expo, commonly known as Comic Expo or BCE, was an annual comic book convention held in the United Kingdom. The show was held once a year in Bristol in the spring. The organiser was Mike Allwood, formerly of Area 51, a comic shop based in Bristol.
The convention featured floorspace for exhibitors, including comic book dealers and collectibles merchants. Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, one of the highlights of Comic Expo was the Orang Utan Comics film night, which was a staple of the show since 2007. The charity event "Draw the World Together" was an annual part of the show. BCE included a separate "Small Press Expo," an autograph area, as well as a so-called "Artists' Alley" where comics artists signed autographs and sold or offered free sketches.
From 2006–2008, Comic Expo was the host of the prestigious Eagle Awards.
History
BCE replaced a previous Bristol-based UK convention, the Comic Festival, which itself had replaced the United Kingdom Comic Art Convention.
The first Comic Expo was held in Bristol November 6–7, 2004, at the Ramada City Inn. (A so-called "Pro-Con" was held in the same space on November 5.) Guests included Simon Furman, Mike Carey, and Mike Collins. This was very much a trial run by all concerned. Although not very well attended, it established how future events in Bristol would work.
The next BCE, held in May 2005, was a success, with guests such as J. Michael Straczynski, Michael Avon Oeming, Gary Frank, Dave Gibbons, Alan Davis, Brian Bolland, Mike Ploog and Simon Bisley; as well as over 2,000 attendees. The November Brighton Comic Expo was held at the prestigious Metropole Hilton, the largest conference hotel in South England. Guests included Mark Millar, Gilbert Shelton, Dave Gibbons, Sydney Jordan, and Harry Harrison. This was again successful and, with the exception of a few minor criticisms, proved immensely popular with those attending.
Comic Expo Bristol 2006 was a success, with early figures suggesting around 2,000 attendees. In addition, the Eagle Awards were presented at CBE for the first time.
The 2008 show was the best attended one so far, with more than 4,000 ticket buyers. The Eagle Awards ceremony was held on Saturday, May 10, presented by comedian Fraser Ayres.
The Great Recession hit the 2009 show hard, as only 650 punters attended. The 2012 show attracted only 300 attendees, with many exhibitors reporting losses; there was speculation the show might not survive. But attendance increased for the 2013 show.